Gilbert Reinkensmeyer

"Gil" E. Reinkensmeyer, 92, died peacefully at StoryPoint in Portage, Michigan, on May 24, 2018, following a long, uncomplaining struggle with congestive heart failure. Gil is survived by: his loving wife of 65 years, Helen K. (Gianakura) Reinkensmeyer; three children and their spouses; Marcus W. and Anita Reinkensmeyer, Irene H. and Randall Cooper and Brian G. and Marilynn A. Reinkensmeyer; eight grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; two sisters and their spouses, Jeanette and George Heil and Ruth and Ralph Harnagel (Reinkensmeyer); and many devoted friends. Deceased brothers and their spouses include Henry and Minnie, Clarence and Nettie, Edgar and Lorraine, and Norman Reinkensmeyer. Born and raised in Hoyelton, Illinois, the son of William C. and Dorothea (Vogel) Reinkensmeyer, Gil attended Trinity Elementary School and earned his high school diploma from Nashville High School, Nashville, Illinois. Graduating from high school, Gil was drafted into the United States Army during the post World War II occupancy in Germany. He was stationed in Marburg, Germany, a city deep in historic culture and cathedrals. It was there that Gil acquired his love for organ music, churches and cathedrals. Honorably discharged from the service, he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Valparaiso University. His first teaching position was in Soo High of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, where he met and married his beloved Helen, December 28, 1953. While teaching in the Soo, Gil attended academic workshops at Wayne State University and the University of Wisconsin. Gil was determined to leave the Soo for a warmer climate and accepted a one year position as teacher in Paw Paw High School with Western Michigan University (WMU). As the one year came to an end, he moved to Kalamazoo to accept a teaching position in the Business Department at Kalamazoo Central High School. For 38 years, Gil taught with distinction as a Business Education teacher at this school. Later, he served as Department Head for the Business Department and the school's Director of the Distributive Education Club of America (DECA, Inc). For twenty-three summer months, Gil worked in the Display Advertising Department at the Kalamazoo Gazette. He earned his Master of Arts Degree from WMU. Gil has been an active member at Zion Lutheran Church, Kalamazoo, Michigan, for sixty-four years, where he served in many volunteer roles and led a major fund raising drive for a new Casavant Tracker organ from Quebec, Canada. He said, "That was the joy of my life." He also volunteered for the Second Impressions Upscale Thrift Shop and the American Red Cross. Fond family memories include summers spent at Lake Michigan, travels abroad and visits with the growing family of great grandchildren. A most memorable experience was a tour to the Holy Land, bringing water from the Jordon River for his granddaughter, Mara's baptism. Gil will be remembered for his faithful walk in Christ, love of family, commitment to education and warm sense of humor. Visitation will be held at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 South 9th St., Kalamazoo, Michigan, on Tuesday, May 28, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. The funeral service will be held at Zion Lutheran Church, 2122 Bronson Blvd, Kalamazoo, on Wednesday, May 29, 11:00 A M. The family will greet guests from 10:00 to 11:00 AM prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Valparaiso University Scholarship Fund, Zion Lutheran Church Trust Fund or Kalamazoo Christian School Association. The family joins in Gil's deep appreciation to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan, for its daily, unwavering care, love and encouragement. Please visit Gil's personalized web page and guest book at www.langelands.com